By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: From the quiet corners of classrooms and science laboratories, ideas once drawn in notebooks and shaped through countless hours of discussion have carried 150 students from SMK Taman Mutiara Rini 2 onto an international stage.

The students emerged with an impressive collection of honours at the Terengganu International Science Fair (TISF) 2026, winning three special awards, 22 gold, 12 silver and one bronze medal for projects that blended scientific imagination with a concern for humanity and the environment.

The award ceremony was held at the International Youth Centre in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, on June 13.

Organised by the Malaysia Young Scientists Organisation (MYSO), the international competition brought together students, educators and young innovators through a platform aimed at cultivating scientific curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills.

MYSO president Dr Haji Razmi Abdul Razak delivered the welcoming address, while the ceremony was officiated by Kuala Lumpur Education Department deputy director Nor Haida Hamdan.

A total of 38 projects were submitted by the Johor Bahru school for the online competition on March 15.

The students produced innovations and infographic videos based on the theme, “Exploring Science Beyond Horizons for a Sustainable Blue and Green Future.”

Their projects covered computer science and robotics, life sciences and environmental science — fields that are increasingly important as communities search for solutions to environmental degradation, technological challenges and the responsible use of natural resources.

Teacher-in-charge Dubashini Nandan said the awards represented far more than medals and certificates.

“Behind every project were students who were willing to question, explore and persevere. Some ideas began as simple classroom discussions, but through teamwork, research and guidance, they grew into meaningful innovations,” she said.

“The achievements belong to every student who refused to give up when an experiment failed, a design had to be changed or a presentation needed to be improved.”

Dubashini said the competition allowed students to understand that science was not confined to textbooks, examination papers or laboratory walls.

“Science becomes truly meaningful when it is used to improve lives, protect the environment and build a more sustainable future.

“Our students learnt that even young minds can contribute valuable ideas. They may still be in school, but their imagination has no boundary and their voices deserve to be heard,” she said.

TISF was founded on the principle that science and innovation should make a meaningful contribution to society while supporting environmental sustainability and community well-being.

Through the competition, participants were encouraged to look beyond conventional scientific theories and examine how knowledge could be transformed into practical solutions.

Dubashini said the theme challenged the students to think deeply about the relationship between technological progress and the natural world.

“They were encouraged not merely to create something impressive, but to ask whether their ideas could help people and protect the earth.

“That sense of responsibility is important because innovation should never lose sight of humanity,” she said.

She added that the scale of the school’s participation reflected the growing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among its students.

“To have 150 students taking part with 38 projects was already a victory for us. The medals made the occasion even sweeter, but the greatest reward was witnessing the confidence and enthusiasm displayed by the students.

“For many of them, this was an opportunity to discover abilities they may not have realised they possessed,” she said.

The students were guided by STEM advisers Dubashini, Siti Azura Masral, Putri Noorshikin Mohd Noordin, Norfazlina Zulkifly, Cynthia Khoo, Nor Syamilah Syamimi Mohd Abdillih, Thilagaa Muthusamy and Nur Izni Izzati Abdul Malikarimallah.

Dubashini said the success was made possible through the collective support of the school’s administrators, teachers, parents and students.

She expressed her appreciation to principal Liew Shiow Lih, senior administrative assistant Saliza Idros, senior co-curricular assistant Zahir Hussain Amirdin and senior teacher of science and mathematics Siti Aini Suparti for their encouragement and support.

“This achievement was built upon cooperation. Our teachers worked tirelessly, the school leadership believed in the programme, and the students gave their very best.

“We hope this experience will inspire them to continue exploring, questioning and creating. Perhaps among them are future scientists, engineers and environmental champions who will one day develop solutions that change the world,” she said.

For the students of SMK Taman Mutiara Rini 2, the competition may have ended with medals placed around their necks, but their journey of discovery has only just begun.

In every project lies a reminder that the future is not fashioned by great minds alone, but also by young hands courageous enough to experiment, stumble, rise again and reach beyond the horizon.